Spencer Fair: From oxen to chickens to pies

SPENCER — Sue Nadon's blue-ribbon-winning "largest egg" laid by a hen was not the only claim for bragging rights at the 126th annual Spencer Fair over Labor Day weekend.

There were many winners of contests at the well-attended fair. Near-record crowds of more than 32,000 spectators attended the 126th annual event, with a record turnout of 10,000 Friday, according to the Spencer Agricultural Association.

Even though heavy rain and thunderstorms forced the organizers to close a little early Sunday night, all of the parking lots were needed Monday, with lines of automobiles streaming in.

And that is the traditional day for the popular oxen pull, with the beasts linked in pairs, displaying their brawn.

Jim Barry, owner of Barry's Bait and Tackle in Worcester along Route 20 said being self-employed only allows him five vacation days a year, and one of them is always the oxen pull at Spencer Fair.

"I have no idea why but I love oxen pulling. That is the only reason I come," said the expert boat repairman. "I have been coming 10 years just to watch the oxen pull."

Veterinarian Chad McGee of Townsend moved to Massachusetts after growing up on an upstate New York farm, where he plowed fields with oxen.

"It's nice seeing draught animals still used," he said. In addition to his veterinary practice, he owns a pair of Clydesdales and a quarter horse as a hobby.

Four-year old Owen Frick of Clinton was watching a trapeze act while attending with his mother, Shannon, and grandparents, Ray and Josie McNamara. It was the family's first trip to the Spencer Fair.

Asked what he liked most, the youngster said, "I like, hmm, the dirt bikes — popping a wheelie and jumping."

"It's something we've always thought about. I don't know why we've never" attended previously, said Mr. McNamara. His wife of 43 years said, "It's a nice way to enjoy the day with your family."

Stardust Circus of Sarasota, Florida, performed the high-wire acts. Owner Oscar Garcia said the business has been in the family for three generations.

"This is a nice fair — you guys bring more people than the bigger fairs."

The best apple pie — the recipe was named "Mr. B's Apple Pie" — was baked by Fay Bachelor of North Brookfield.

The North Brookfield resident has been attending the fair the past 30 years.

The Robinson family of Paxton has been selling cotton candy and snow cones for more than a generation at the fair — using equipment that is a half century old.

Virginia Robinson, 86, lets her two granddaughters, Meghan Stevens, 34, and Katie Greene, 24, do most of the work now. The family sells cotton candy and snow cones at the Spencer Fair, but nowhere else.

"This is the only one we do," Ms. Greene said. "It is not a career for us."